Collaborative Courses for New Dog Owners

27 JULY 2012

For Immediate Release

New dog owners can learn what looking after “man’s best friend” requires at a series of free education sessions being offered by Hamilton City Council and the Waikato branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Mayor Julie Hardaker, also chair of the Waikato SPCA and owner of Chihuahua Fifi and King Charles Spaniel Poppy, says the free sessions will give new or novice dog owners valuable insights into how to care for and train their pets.

“Dogs give lifelong companionship for their owners, and the bond between owner and dog can be strengthened if the owner understands how to teach their pet and look after it properly,” Mayor Hardaker says.

“Animal control and dog licensing is a core service for Council, so joining with the SPCA to educate new dog owners makes good sense. The fact these sessions are free demonstrates the two organisations’ commitment to responsible dog ownership, and helping people nurture well-behaved and well-loved hounds.”

The sessions include talks by three speakers: SPCA inspector Tracey Wilde, Council Animal Education Officer Amanda Tucker, and Waikato University PHD student Clare Browne, who is studying animal behaviour.

The sessions are:

• 1 August, 11am, Enderley Community Centre, Tennyson Avenue • 15 August, 1pm, Te Whare Kokonga, Bader Street • 29 August, 10.45am, Pukete Neighbourhood House, Te Rapa Sportsdrome • 12 September, 5.30pm, Fairfield Hall, Clarkin Road • 26 September, 2pm, Western Community Centre, Hyde Avenue

ENDS

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